England to host three-match test series against Pakistan in 2026

England will host Pakistan for a thrilling three-match Test series in the summer of 2026 as part of a blockbuster international cricket season.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced the full home schedule featuring five visiting international teams across formats. 

Ben Stokes will lead the England Test side against Pakistan and New Zealand, while Harry Brook will captain the white-ball squad in limited-overs matches against India and Sri Lanka.

The historic England-Pakistan Test series begins on 19th August at Headingley, Leeds, followed by the second Test at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London starting 27th August.

The series finale will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham on 9th September, with all matches beginning at 11:00 AM local time as part of the Rothesay Test series.

In light of the announcement regarding England’s 2026 home international schedule, which promises an exhilarating summer of cricket featuring a three-match Test series against Pakistan and the landmark hosting of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, ECB Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould expressed his enthusiasm for the exciting events on the horizon.

“The standout event of the summer will undoubtedly be the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, taking place in England for the first time since 2009.

This is a monumental occasion for the women’s game, for Nat Sciver-Brunt and her team, and it serves as a remarkable opportunity to inspire the next generation of players and fans alike,” Gould stated.

He further emphasized the significance of the schedule, noting, “We are also delighted that Lord’s will host an England Women’s Test match for the first time, marking a truly special chapter in the history of the women’s game. I have no doubt that fans will be eager to support both Ben Stokes’ and Harry Brook’s England teams, as the Men’s red-ball and white-ball squads are set to provide thrilling entertainment. It’s fantastic to see such a diverse array of nations coming together to compete, and we can anticipate another summer filled with large crowds and outstanding cricket action.”